PARIS, France (AFP) — Bastia’s Brazilian striker Brandao, who was hit with a six-month ban for headbutting Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Motta in August, apologised publicly for his gesture on French television yesterday.

Brandao, whose gesture was described as “an inexcusable and unjustified assault” by the French disciplinary commission, has been ruled out until February 21, meaning he will miss at least 24 games.

“I regret my actions, I regretted it straight away and now I want to offer an apology,” Brandao told Canal Plus.

“I am a professional player and I have to set an example for the children, the fans and everyone who loves sport,” he continued.

“I wasn’t waiting for him to hit him and my actions were not premeditated, I just wanted to talk to him so we could calm down. I didn’t want to fight with him but I was overcome by my action and I left,” he said about the assault that took place in the Parc des Princes tunnel and was captured on CCTV cameras.

Brandao claimed he was insulted by the Brazilian-born Italian midfielder throughout the match but said repeating the exchange was something he had only told the Ligue 1 disciplinary commission.

“I don’t want to repeat what he said because I have already told the League and the justice but they were very strong words and very hurtful for me and for my family.

“I am conscious of my actions and the suspension is very long but I don’t think the Federation accepted the apologies that I offered.”

The 34-year-old will also appear in court on November 3 to face criminal charges of premeditated assault in a sporting arena. If found guilty, he could be jailed and fined.